Howdy everyone, We leave to start the second field season of the South Pole Ice (SPICE) Core Driling Project next week. In honor of that momentous occasion, here is a throwback picture of me in front of the ceremonial South Pole marker last November (2014).

Besides the extreme cold, the biggest hurdle when arriving at the South Pole is acclimating to the high elevation. The station itself is at an elevation of 9,301 feet, but because the air at the poles is thinner (due to earth's circulation), the human body feels an elevation that is closer to 10-11,000 feet. We will all take it pretty easy the first few days at the Pole.

Please send your questions and comments my way!

Until next time, ​Mindy

Mindy Nicewonger at the Ceremonial South Pole marker, November 2014. The flags in the background are the flags of the Antarctic Treaty signatory states.